I had a major computer problem yesterday, entirely of my own making(!), which resulted in our being off the air for the whole day. As a result, we missed one of the milestones of the year when the first bird took something into a nest box!
This is what greeted us when we turned on this morning. As a result of yesterday's problems, we did not see when this moss was taken into Box2, but are assuming it was yesterday rather than early this morning.
This shows what we believe is Bertie coming to inspect Bella's handiwork. (We have decided to call the pair of bluetits using Box2 Bella and Bertie!)
Bertie's off.
Several comings and goings later, a bird comes to the box ...
... and after hesitating for over half a minute, eventually goes inside.
We presume that when this happens it is because the male is trying to attract the female inside the box, but has a problem trying to catch her eye.
If that is the case here, this must be Bertie.
Inside the box.
He doesn't stay long.
However, he doesn't fly away, but turns and lands on the roof of the box.
A couple of seconds later he is flying back to the entrance hole.
There's no hesitation this time. He just flies straight in!
He must have seen that Bella is nearby and has responded to his pleas!
Bertie inside the box.
Has Bertie misjudged the situation? A couple of seconds later there is still no sign of Bella!
Has he got it wrong? Bella has still not arrived!
Here she comes!
Bertie crouches down as normal.
In goes Bella.
The switch is about to take place.
Bertie went into the box only 6 seconds ago so he didn't have to wait long for Bella!
Off goes Bertie!
Away he goes.
Now Bella is left by herself inside the box.
Note Bella's smoother head feathers.
She stays in the box for nearly half a minute before she leaves.
There were a total of 9 visits to the box today and on 2 of them, both birds were in the box at the same time.